Page 149 of The Odds of Happily Ever After
“Of course Papa and I are proud of you, Luna.” Mama’s eyes shone with unshed tears. “I’m sorry we made you feel like we aren’t.”
I tried to clear the lump in my throat. “I know you two are concerned about me. I love you and I don’t want to disappoint either of you, but I love Gabe, too and I’m enjoying the degree I’m pursuing now. You can disagree with my choices but that won’t change my mind.”
Heaving a breath, Papa looked away from the camera.
I heard soft voices in the background, reminding me that my siblings were somewhere beyond the screen witnessing my meltdown too.
“I think it’s great that you found a way to study what you love,” Mama murmured. “I want you to be happy.”
“I am.” Just not right now. “I’m sorry to upset you two. I just wanted you to know the truth.”
Papa harrumphed. “I need a drink.” Shaking his head, he stood and walked to the kitchen.
Mama watched him go, the lines on her face deepening as she looked back at me. “He just needs time to process it, Luna. This was . . . unexpected. But I’m glad you told us. I know you’re an adult now but, as a parent, it’s hard to not worry. No matter how old you are, a part of me will always see you as my little girl, even if I try not to.”
I chewed on my lip.
“Don’t worry, I’ll talk to your papa. Maybe next time, you can introduce Gabe to us?” She gave me a smile—smaller than her usual, but genuine all the same.
It tugged at my heart and gave me hope that things would work out. “I’d like that.”
“I love you, Luna.”
“I love you, too, Mama.”
Ate popped up on the screen next to Mama, slinging an arm around her shoulders. “And I love you both, in case you were wondering.”
We laughed and chatted for a minutes more before saying our goodbyes. I shot my siblings a text thanking them for the backup, then I closed my eyes and let myself sink back into my chair.
Gabe’s palm swept up and down my thigh in comforting strokes. “How are you feeling?” he murmured.
“Spent. But at least I said everything I needed to say.”
“Alonzo pulled through for you. And your mom was very understanding.”
My eyes blinked open. “I know.”
“For what it’s worth, it’s clear that they care about you.”
I nodded.
“Whatever happens, we’ll handle it together.” Gabe took my hand in his and intertwined our fingers. “Okay?”
My eyes moved to his face and roamed those planes and shadows that I could never tire of tracing. Despite the pain lingering from my call, that familiar sense of wonder unfurled within me that I had him by my side.
“Okay.”
senior year
chapter forty-seven
gabe
Cesar
Congratulations on your office, Gabriel! We all are proud of you
Gabe
